GCWA is the largest—and liveliest—writing community in Southwest Florida. We’ve been gathering since 1995, long before Zoom was a thing, and we’re still showing up in person every month with real speakers,
real snacks, and really passionate writers.
2026 GCWA Annual Writing Contest
November 1, 2025, to March 15, 2026
More Information and To Enter
We Appreciate Your Donations
GCWA is a 501(c)3
All Donations Are Tax-Deductible
A Big Moment for GCWA!
We’re excited to share that GCWA has received its very first online donation—a generous $200 gift from an anonymous supporter. However, the very first donation was a $50 cash gift. Their kindness touched us deeply and reminded us how powerful and compassionate this community truly is.
We are profoundly grateful for these contributions and for every person who supports the world of writing—authors, editors, publishers, illustrators, readers, and all who help stories come to life. Your belief in our mission fuels everything we do.
Every donation, large or small, makes a meaningful difference. If you feel inspired, consider giving before the end of the year to receive your tax deduction and help us continue creating a place
Where Writers Belong.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Spotlight
Member Spotlight: Dr. S.K. Grunin
Dr. Susan Grunin is a retired college professor and author of the children’s book series, “Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit.” The first two books in the series, “Life Isn’t Always What It Seems” and “Life Isn’t Always Fair,” have earned the NABE Pinnacle Achievement Award. Book Three of the series, Life Is Like a Fountain – It Has Its Ups (Opportunities and Successes) and Downs (Disappointments and Failures) was recently published on January 30, 2025. In total, the series will contain seven books.
Dr. Grunin is also an accomplished artist who creates original oil paintings and photography, with numerous pieces available for purchase through her company, SKG Creations, and on her website- www.Skg-Creations.com
Becoming a GCWA member is your opportunity to
grow your brand and drive traffic to your book.
Don’t miss your chance to shine.
Join today!
2025 In Review
- Found a permanent home at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church after months of moving locations.
- Sixteen authors represented GCWA at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival.
- Hosted a global Writing Contest with hundreds of submissions and volunteer judges.
- Launched a new GCWA website, logo, and tagline: Where Writers Belong.
- Celebrated GCWA’s 30th anniversary with guest speaker Robert Macomber.
- Formed a liaison with FGCU Academy for member-taught community classes.
- Expanded partnerships with local businesses supporting local authors.
- Delivered strong monthly programs covering craft, marketing, publishing, and AI.
- Welcomed new leadership roles and reorganized Communications.
- Improved hybrid meetings with upgraded audio equipment.
- Grew membership by 64 new members, now totaling 150+.
- Added online donation options to support GCWA as a volunteer-run 501(c)(3).
- Closed the year with member-led brainstorming for 2026.
